I went to a new doctor at the best hospital in the city (Philadelphia) today. He did not need me to schedule any testing, (just had an endoscopy) he knew exactly what was going on and agreed with my new diet (low fat, no carbs, lots of fruits and veggies and chicken, fish, meat, along with staying away from trigger foods).

He has me on a new treatment plan with the goal to come off the PPIs. I was really happy to hear that b ecause a lot of doctors tell you to stay on the PPIs for life. He diagnosed me with esophageal spasms induced by reflux. He explained what is going on with me so that I could understand my symptoms and the endoscopy which showed mild nonerosive reflux esophagitus. He also changed my medication. I am not sure if this will all help me but he seems to know what he is doing. He spent 20 minutes letting me describe my symptoms before he told me his thoughts. He also did not make negative comments about the homeopathic stuff I am using which my last doctor kinda laughed it off. It just goes to show you that you need to get second opinions (or third or 4th etc) and research better doctors. I go back to him in 2 months and he will begin to titrate me off the new medication while I stay on my diet. Here is hoping!

Glad to hear your doctor's appointment went well! I think it's great when you find a doctor that is really willing to work with you, rather than just hand you another prescription and send you on your way.

feeling like a lump is in your throat (can come and go or not), chest pain and upper abdominal pain. It feels like pressure. I can feel it through my back (my dr. asked me if I experienced that before I said anything about it). Doctor says that even though my endoscopy came back fairly normal, that reflux can cause the cells in the esophagus to seperate, and when the acid hits these separated areas, the esiphagus reacts by spasm. I am sure I may have not explained that right but thats what I remember.

Thats great ! You found a doctor who truly understands you. I am on HMO and my physician gave me a referral only after I was on PPI for 6 weeks. My GI appt is scheduled for May. I have sore throat and dont have any other gerd symptoms. But I follow a strict diet.

I read on this forum( some other gerd related post) that once a week you have beer. How do you handle your reflux? I want to have some pleasurable foods atleast once a week. But I have lot of anxiety as I feel I may harm my throat.

I dont have beer once a week. about once a month I allow myself up to 3 beers. Usually I save them up for an occasion like a wedding. I just found this stuff called Prelief which apparently takes the acid out of food. I tried it for my bachlorette party where i had 4 beers. The next day I did have symptoms but they were not terrible and after the second day I was back to my usual mild symptoms. A few months ago, I was having 2-3 beers every other weekend but then I had a flare up due to not being strict with my diet. So I am back to once a month. If there is not an occasion, I will go longer than a month. If I start feeling worse I will cut it out completely but with the strict diet restrictions I am on, it is nice to endulge every so often in something. If you are in pain, do not drink. I can't tolerate wine or liquior at all.

Chicken, turkey, non acidic fruits and veggies, aloe vera juice, almonds, granola. It has to be low fat and low carb. Look into the koufman diet, it's similar to what I listed. Diet is challenging but worth it. Dr. seems like he is on my side but I only went to one appt. His plan makes sense but it's a process. Keep looking for a new doctor! If I don't get anywhere with this doctor, I'm going to try acupuncture.